Presidential candidate Chung Dong-young, center, of the United New Democratic Party, welcomes people with Reps. Chun Jung-bae, left, and Kim Han-gill to the opening of a “Happy Bank” in Sillim-dong, Seoul, Friday, for 24 hours to listen to the difficulties that residents have and reflect them in his campaign pledges. / Korea Times

By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

United New Democratic Party (UNDP) presidential nominee Chung Dong-young proposed Sunday that the minor opposition Democratic Party (DP) join hands with him and his party to defeat what he calls corrupt groups.

His continued requests for a unified candidate will likely expedite mergers between liberal parties ahead of the Dec. 19 presidential election.

The DP has yet to clarify its stance but the party and its nominee Rhee In-je have said they are positive to the suggestion, according to party sources.

``Our unity is the only way to stop the Grand National Party and conservative groups from seizing political power,'' Chung said in a press conference, apparently targeting GNP candidate Lee Myung-bak and new entry independent Lee Hoi-chang.

Stressing now is time to for a showdown with corrupt groups, Chung proposed discussing ways to pick a unified candidate as well as merging liberal groups officially to the DP.

Chung, a former unification minister, proposed that anti-corruption forces and their presidential candidates hold a joint meeting to probe corrupt cases including the Samsung slush fund scandal.

He urged the DP to respond to his suggestion saying there was no reason to postpone a meeting.

After the DP decides on its stance, he will discuss the issue with presidential nominee Moon Kook-hyun of the Creative Korea Party.

DP Spokesman Yoo Jong-pil said the two sides should fully discuss how to reach an agreement on the issue first through an open channel like a TV debate.

Recognizing people's desire for a revived economy, Chung underlined transparency will ultimately lead the nation to become an economic powerhouse.

``Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption, found in its study that one-degree upgrade of national transparency brings an increase of $5,000 in national per capita income,'' he said. ``We can boost the economy by eliminating corruption.''

A TV anchor-turned-politician, Chung pledged to set up a new government, if elected, which will be totally different from the obsolete one which Lee Myung-bak is conceiving.

He also promised that his government would give equal opportunities to everyone.

``I will hire anyone who has ability and talent, regardless of their academic achievement, age and regional background,'' he said. ``I will go with people who have passion whether they personally support me or not.''

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr